Find Someone to Refer You
Episode #5 of the course Ultimate guide to landing a job by Infobip
There is one thing that is certain to increase your chances of being hired: referral from an existing employee. Referred candidates are more likely to get hired, perform better, and last longer in jobs. This is why companies, large and small, around the world invest in referral programs.
It is common knowledge that networking is essential to finding a new job. Lever Research estimates that referrals are almost 10 times more efficient than applications. Jobvite found that getting hired through referrals is up to six times faster than through regular job applications.
So, how can someone’s referral help you?
1. You get inside information about the workplace and company culture, which can help you decide if you want to work there. You’ll be able to understand if new recruits get offered training and opportunities, whether it encourages a work-life balance, and so on.
2. You know if you are suitable for this company and where you fit in. Will you find the environment too intense/competitive? Or too laidback, perhaps?
3. You have a person on the inside that HR and hiring managers can talk to about your application.
4. If you get the job, it’s much easier starting a new job with a familiar face to show you the ropes. Nothing makes onboarding easier than a friend to help you along.
Did you know that employee referrals are more likely to get the job? Jobvite found that employee referrals have the highest applicant-to-hire conversion rate, accounting for 40% of all hires. And what’s more, referral hires end up more satisfied with their job and stay in their positions longer. The study found that 47% of referred employees stay with a company for over three years.
No matter where you are on your career path, the connections you make inside and outside of work help you learn about opportunities and great companies to work for. We all like to work with people we know and trust. So, the next time you find a job ad you want to apply to, ask yourself if you know someone who is already working at that company and talk to them about it.
This wraps up the FIND step of your job hunt. Once you find a job ad that interests you, the application process starts. Understand what recruiters want to see in your CV in our next lesson.
Recommended reading
Employee Referrals—Why It Works Out for Everyone
Recommended book
Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi
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